What is a CPA?
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is an individual who has met the requirements of the state accountancy law and who holds a valid license to practice public accounting issued by the state Accountancy Board. (Public accounting consists of reporting on financial statements in part or in whole and performing tax and consulting work as a CPA or with a CPA firm.)
To be granted the initial license, a rigorous test must be passed, and education and experience levels must be attained. Licenses will not be renewed unless substantial continuing education requirements are met.
What services do CPA's provide?
Not all CPAs perform the same types and/or levels of service. However the most common services consist of accounting, tax, financial planning, and management consulting.
Ellis-Rinner, CPA, Ltd has chosen to offer accounting, tax, management consulting, and various other services as agreed upon by the firm and the client.
Why should you utilize a CPA?
A CPA is a very trusted, confidential advisor of individuals and businesses who is expected to uphold high standards. The following list (obtained from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants) identifies some characteristics a CPA should possess:
- Continuing Education and Life-Long Learning - CPAs highly value continuing education beyond certification and believe it is important to continuously acquire new skills and knowledge.
- Competence - CPAs are able to perform high quality work in a capable, efficient and appropriate manner.
- Integrity – CPAs conduct themselves with honesty and professional ethics.
- Attuned to Broad Business Issues – CPAs are in tune with the overall realities of the business environment.
- Objectivity – CPAs are able to deal with information free of distortions, personal bias or conflicts of interest.
What is an Enrolled Agent?
An Enrolled Agent (EA) is a person who has earned the privilege of representing taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service by either passing a three-part comprehensive IRS test covering individual and business tax returns, or through experience as a former IRS employee. Enrolled agent status is the highest credential the IRS awards. Individuals who obtain this elite status must adhere to ethical standards and complete 72 hours of continuing education courses every three years.
Enrolled agents, like attorneys and certified public accountants (CPAs), have unlimited practice rights. This means they are unrestricted as to which taxpayers they can represent, what types of tax matters they can handle, and which IRS offices they can represent clients before.
Why should you choose Ellis-Rinner, CPA, Ltd?
The goal of this firm is to provide clients with complete tax, accounting, and consulting services, enabling them to make sound business and personal decisions based on well-thought-out planning and professional guidance.
We assist clients with ways to increase efficiency and limit professional fees charged, so they can retain as much of their income as possible.